SH73 Christchurch Southern Motorway extension – construction funding

Applicant

NZ Transport Agency

Purpose

To seek the Board's approval for funding the final design and construction of the NZ Transport Agency's Southern Motorway Extension project in the Canterbury region.

Date of decision

26 November 2008

Resolutions

The NZ Transport Agency Board:

  1. notes that estimated cost of the construction phase of the NZ Transport Agency's Christchurch Southern Motorway Extension project is $176.4 million including escalation (NLTP share $176.4 million);
  2. notes that the Canterbury Regional Transport Committee has confirmed that this project remains the number one priority for the region and has committed to the development of a funding plan for the entire project at the earliest opportunity in conjunction with the development of the 2009/12 Regional Land Transport Programme;
  3. approves funding for the construction of the NZ Transport Agency's Christchurch Southern Motorway Extension project at an estimated cost of $176.4 million including escalation (NLTP share $176.4 million) from R funds subject to :
    • confirmation that the Canterbury Regional Transport Committee agrees to the increased allocation of $R to the project;
  4. notes that funding of $1.7 million has already been approved for enabling works on the project for the stockpiling of recycled crushed concrete pavement aggregate;
  5. notes that funding for any further net property costs will be allocated from the same funding source approved for this project;
  6. notes that the total cost of the project, including property and escalation, is estimated at $238 million, the 5th percentile is estimated at $219 million and the 95th percentile at $264 million;
  7. delegates approval to the NLTP Review Group to approve a separate funding application for approximately $11.5 million (Gross) from Christchurch City Council in respect of its contribution to the project ;
  8. notes the reasons for this decision are set out in the Reasons for recommendation section of Board paper 08/11/0083 and this Update paper ; and
  9. agrees to take Board paper 08/11/0083 out of Committee when the Board has published its notice of decision.

Reason for the decision

The assessment profile for this activity has been determined as being of medium seriousness and urgency, medium effectiveness and medium efficiency.

The project contributes positively to the GPS targets and NZTS objectives by addressing the problems of declining travel times and trip reliability on the major link from the south of Christchurch to the CBD and the Port of Lyttelton, which is likely to be identified as a critical route. It also enables improved public transport opportunities by relieving congestion through the Hornby, Sockburn and Blenheim Road/Curletts Road areas and includes a cycleway/walkway along its length with crossing points at regular intervals to provide connections between key areas of activity.

We confirm that the matters in sections 20(2) and 20(5) of the LTMA have been satisfied and that the matters in section 20(3) have been taken into account.

If you would like details of how the assessment profile for this activity was determined, please email us at boardsecretariat@nzta.govt.nz.